StudyWorks! Math Success 5.0 offers powerful tools to aid in mathematical learning and exploration. The software's guided interactive lessons introduce and drill students on such subjects as algebra and trigonometry, while the sophisticated equation editor and scientific calculator let you solve and graph practically any type of equation. This is a great piece of software for students of practically any level who want to improve and build upon their math skills and knowledge. The software comes on a single CD-ROM that installs easily with a standard Windows setup program. When you run the program, you're presented with a blank worksheet. From there, you can go one of two ways: use the Resource Center to learn about mathematical subjects, or fill the worksheet with graphs and equations of our own devising.
The Resource Center breaks down mathematics into seven subjects: basic math and pre-algebra, algebra 1 and algebra 2, geometry, precalculus and trigonometry, calculus, business math, and statistics. Each subject is then divided into categories, similar to what you'd find in a math textbook, with each subcategory offering exhaustive lessons and carefully designed diagrams and drills. You can navigate the text like you would a Web page, with text links that bring together related subjects.
In addition to the textbook-style explanations, there are "explorations" that bring mathematics home to the real world. For instance, the geometry section includes explorations that deal with building an arch, the structure of crystals, and navigating the earth. A math glossary also offers clear definitions of math terminology, while math-related games and activities supplement the other learning materials.
Math Success also acts as a sophisticated scientific calculator. Using the equation editor, which acts like a mathematical word processor, we were able to input, solve, and graph a wide range of equations, covering subjects from algebra to trigonometry to calculus. The flexible graphing capabilities can create color graphics in both two and three dimensions. We could then format, save, and print out these worksheets, which resulted in very polished and professional-looking reports.
Of course, using such a powerful tool takes some practice. The printed manual and very detailed online help provide excellent guidance, however, and there's even a Web-based discussion forum in which to share hints and tips with other users. Once mastered, the product's tools will come in handy throughout high school and college mathematics, as well as in such subjects as statistics, physics, and economics.
Math Success works well for a wide variety of students. It works as a clearly written supplement to a mathematical textbook, offering activities and drills to test comprehension. It also offers the more sophisticated math, science, statistics, or economics student a powerful graphics calculator and equation editor for working problems and creating reports. It's the kind of tool you'll return to again and again to get some guidance, complete some work, and even have fun. --Ken Feinstein
